The Iranian Revolutionary Guard has communicated this Friday that it will extend "to the entire region" of the Persian Gulf its actions against "unauthorized" navigation, which until now had mainly focused on the Strait of Hormuz.
The Iranian military commands do not detail exactly what these "measures" consist of, although on previous occasions the Revolutionary Guard itself has acknowledged attacks against "U.S.-Zionist enemy" freighters that crossed the strait without respecting the routes set by the authorities in Tehran.
According to the new announcement, the scope of these attacks will cover "the entire region of the Persian Gulf," as stated in a statement released by the Revolutionary Guard and cited by the semi-official agency Tasnim.
In recent days, attacks have occurred against two merchant ships off the coast of Qatar, the first recorded in that area in six months, and another off Fujairah, in the Gulf of Oman. Media close to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard had already suggested that Iran was expanding its operations beyond the strait, something that is now officially confirmed.
"From now on, the measures against vessels that violate the regulations will not be limited to the Strait of Hormuz. Any vessel that transits through unauthorized routes will be pursued throughout the region and will face severe penalties," the Revolutionary Guard has advanced.